Here is the bottom of my foot four months after surgery and a close up of the scar.
As crazy as it sounds, I kind of want the scar to stay there. It is a reminder of the journey I've been on!
Here is a shot of the side of my foot. Not much swelling anymore!
I don't know when exactly it happened, but one day last week, I realized there was no pain in my foot. I was rolling through my foot normally and didn't feel uncomfortable.
Is this real life?
I don't know how it transitioned so quickly, but two weeks ago I was worried things might never be the same and I would always have discomfort, and last week I realized the pain was gone! What an answered prayer! God is so good (and so is my surgeon). :)
There is still some numbness on the top of my toe (maybe 25%), and there is definitely discomfort when I try to stretch my foot too far (like when I'm trying to reach for something on the top shelf of my pantry). But that pain is getting less each day. I can't tell you how excited this makes me!
My doctor said to continue with low impact exercises for 6-8 more weeks and then I can start transitioning back into running (not that I was a runner, but... it would be nice to say that I am able to run).
He said the range of motion in my left foot is the same as my right - crazy, right? Also, I can wear normal, flat-soled shoes without special inserts.
Things are definitely looking up, and I am so happy to be able to share this progress. Thank you to those of you who have been encouraging me along this journey!
Thanks for reading - I'll update again when I'm up and RUNNING!
This is such great news! I'm so happy that you have so little pain now and that you're walking normally. That's a huge deal! And not to sound creepy or anything, but your foot looks great! Mine has been so puffy for so long that I'm not sure it will ever look "normal" again. I'm still mulling over having the surgery, but this post give me a lot of hope. Thank you for sharing your journey. Congratulations!!!
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DeleteThanks so much for your comment! I really appreciate the well wishes. I am so happy that I am finally feeling relief. I'm sorry you are still in pain. I am praying you find healing soon and that you have discernment regarding whether or not to go through with surgery. Thanks again and Merry Christmas!
DeleteI can't thank you enough for writing this awesome blog and for sharing your experiences.
ReplyDeleteI'm 27 and currently going through major sesamoid issues ... it's also my lateral sesamoid and the doctor thinks it's a fracture that has led to necrosis.
Surgery is an option and although I'm absolutely terrified of the thought your blog is reassuring me that it could be the right thing to do.
Looking back after all the time that has passed, are you glad you had the surgery? I'd love to hear how you're doing now. I hope you're 100% back to normal.
I'm so glad it has been somewhat helpful to you! It helps me feel like what I went through has some meaning. I was terrified of surgery too, but was told that my options were to deal with the daily pain using meds (not a fan of meds) or have the surgery and live a mostly normal life.
DeleteI am very glad I had the surgery and would do it all over again, but my foot is not completely the same. It is important for me to avoid high impact activities, because if I were to damage my remaining sesamoid, the treatment would be a lot more difficult. I don't run long distances (running occasionally is fine - I have a toddler so this is a must!), and I don't usually use a treadmill (an elliptical is much better). I stick with low impact activities like swimming and yoga (which I love). I sometimes still have tightness in my foot, but it isn't really pain. Just a mild discomfort when I overuse my foot. But it goes away with rest.
Let me know if you have any specific questions. I felt alone when I was going through the whole process and would love to be here for you if you need anything at all.
Good luck to you! Praying for quick healing and wisdom regarding your next steps.
Taylor
any more updates??
ReplyDeleteHi Rebecca,
DeleteSorry I haven't updated in a while! Too busy living my new life! :) Things are going really well. My foot is pain free but I do have a modified active lifestyle. Running is kind of out of the question unless it is for a short time or short distance. It doesn't hurt, it's just risky since I only have one remaining sesamoid supporting my weight.
I stick to yoga and walking, which suit me better anyway. Also, I can do Zumba and dance classes if I modify some of the moves.
If I walk a LOT, my foot gets kind of achy, but immediately gets better with rest.
How are you doing?
Thank you for your blog. I just had an MRI this week and was diagnosed with Avascular Narciso of my right foots sesmoid bone. I am a little heart broken but it is good to know someone who has gone through this with a positive outcome.
ReplyDeleteMan - I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. But you're right - I've been through the fire and am better on the other side! Every day I am grateful I went through with the surgery. I'm here if I can do anything at all and am praying for your healing.
DeleteI just want to say thank you for your inspiring posts. I am going to have a similar surgery and I'm much more hopeful about the outcome because of blogs like yours :)
ReplyDeleteYou're so welcome! Thank you for taking the time to comment. Praying for you to have a successful surgery and smooth recovery!
DeleteTaylor - thank you for sharing your story! Curious to hear how you're doing? I was diagnosed w/ AVN of the fibular sesamoid. I had a partial removal of the bone back in November 2015 and now my surgeon has found that the remainder of the bone has developed AVN. :/ Only option is to undergo surgery however I'm terrified to lose the full bone as the dr mentioned I will be experiencing a potential "claw" foot and I will lose the ability to run or jump again. I'm only 29 so I feel like this is way too young for someone to go through.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry you're going through this! But there is hope. I am doing great after surgery with no pain whatsoever and no claw foot. My doctor said that is very rare, especially if you're working with someone who has a lot of experience with this surgery. My exercise has definitely changed as I am supposed to avoid all high impact activities. I stick with walking, yoga, and swimming in the summer. But I am very happy I had the surgery! Please let me know if you have any questions for me! I am praying for healing for you.
DeleteAnd also wisdom and guidance to know how to proceed with your situation!
DeletePlease email me ariel1@live.ca id love to chat! Thank you thank you thank you! Lol do
ReplyDeleteHI MY NAME IS KIM AND I AM A FIRST TIME BLOGGER. THANK YOU FOR POSTING YOUR STORY I REALLY WANT TO ASK SOME QUESTIONS I HOPE I RECEIVE YOUR REPLY.
ReplyDeleteWHO WAS YOUR SURGEON?
MY SURGEON HAS SENT ME TO PAIN MANAGEMENT AND THEY SUGGEST MEDICATION.
THIS IS NOT A SOLUTION I HAVE HAD THIS A LONG TIME.PLEASE HELP WITH ANY ADVICE I AM IN AUSTRALIA WHERE ARE YOU?
Hi Kim,
DeleteThanks so much for your comment. I'm so sorry to hear you're going through this, too. I live in Texas - I'm waving hello from waaaaaay over here! My doctor was James Brodsky. He is part of the Orthopedic Associates of Dallas organization. I'll help you in any way I can - what questions were you wanting to ask?
Hi taylor, Thanks for sharing your foot story. How's your foot now, 4 years after the removal of the sesamoid bone? Any complications?
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your story Taylor. I am having a very similar issue with my sesamoid and my doctor seems like dhe is not sure how to proceed. I have had this pain now for about 3 years. I'm just about fed up.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear you are experiencing something similar, but there is hope. I am pain free and so happy I went through with surgery. Is there anything I can do to help you?
DeleteThank you for sharing and posting your journey, Taylor! I had a fibular sesamoidectomy and I'm one month post-op. I'm in a walking shoe and walking on my heel, because it is still painful to walk on the ball of my foot. My foot and toes are still very swollen and my toes are numb. They feel like they are stuck together and I can't feel my big toe. After reading about your recovery, it helps to know that it will get better. I've been so discouraged and frustrated with how long it has been taking to recovery. My surgeon said I would be 3 weeks non-weight bearing and I thought that would be it and then I would be walking around normal. Not the case at all. I can relate to what you went through as I am currently living and feeling those same feelings now. Thank you again for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHey Kim,
DeleteThanks so much for your comment! I'm sorry to hear you're dealing with the pain and frustration, as well. Hang in there! Try to find some things to enjoy during the time when you can't do the things you regularly do. Puzzles, new shows, games... You've got this! Please let me know if there's anything I can do to help.
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI began noticing infrequent pain off and on in the ball of my foot in January. My foot never swelled or discolored, so I didn't worry about it. Then in March I went on a trip for spring break and did a lot of walking. The pain was more noticeable and more frequent throughout my trip but still nothing major. The next week I went on two runs and a day after my second run my foot started swelling, and I was in pain when walking on my foot any distance. I went to a podiatrist the next week and got an x-ray. My doctor told me it looked like a stress fracture on my lateral sesamoid and that I could get an MRI to confirm. I chose not to pay for the MRI and left with a walking boot. I wore the boot for 8 weeks then started walking in tennis shoes with a carbon fiber insert. I have had 4 sets of x-rays since March with not much indication of healing, so I decided to go to a foot and ankle specialist. He ordered an MRI, and I found out today that I have AVN. I am now trying to decide if I should wait it out and see if it improves or if I should consider surgery. For my the pain is not severe anymore but it is aggravating to have to deal with every day. I am also in the process of applying to Physical Therapy schools so being able to walk around on my feet all day is very important. I have read through some of your posts and comments, but I didn't see anything about a certain symptom I have been experiencing - if I stand on my feet without shoes on for even just a few minutes, my left foot turns red and the bottom of my big toe and the ball of my foot turn purple. Once I elevate it, the blood drains immediately. I was curious if you experienced this issue before your surgery, and if so did it go away after surgery? This is probably my biggest issue with choosing to just live with the condition, so I was wondering if this was a normal symptom.
Hi friend,
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear you are also having trouble with AVN. I don't remember personally having the exact same experience you described, but my foot did get inflamed any time I was on it a lot and my big toe down to the ball of my foot really hurt. I'm a momma and I'm carrying around kids all the time, so the surgery allowed me to not be in constant discomfort. The pain before surgery was a constant dull ache that got worse with activity. After surgery, it is tight and not nearly as flexible as my other foot, but it only hurts after I've been walking in uncomfortable shoes for a while.
Please let me know if you think of any other questions. I am happy to help. Good luck to you on your journey.
Thank you so much for replying to my comment! I scheduled another appointment with my doctor for next week since my mom got the MRI results over the phone. I definitely want to talk to him before making any decisions about surgery. I am very conflicted about whether or not to do the surgery. After reading through several people's comments, I don't feel like my pain is as significant as others that have decided to do the surgery, but it definitely isn't "normal" either. I guess I'm just afraid to have the surgery and end up in more pain than I am in currently. Sorry I'm just thinking out loud at this point trying to figure out where to go from here. Anyways, I appreciate your quick response and this amazing resource!!
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